THE NEW RAILWAY STATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12991, 4 June 1904, Page 2

THE NEW RAILWAY STATION.

LAYING OF THE, FOUNDATION STCJNE. SPLENDID BUILDING! FOR THE CITY. The weather yesterday morning was, threatening and cold, btit fortunately the; rain hold off while tho ceremony of laying

the foundation stone of.Dimedin's new railway station was .proceeding. Only a light shower fell, causing the raising of timbrel Ins all over tho platform and' the tiered seats, as well as in the concourse of the general public, and thea the.rain cleared away and the ceremony.ended itii sunshine. The huge. gantry-was decorated with .flags from end to end, giving it an appearance quite different from its commonplace, look on ordinary occasion?. T|ie crane on.top was also adorned, and the greenery and other, ornamentations placed here m<l tbere fct off the structure effectively. A line o( flags ran from the gantry in the direction of Stuart street, and aliove !he platform was the inscription, in larg? letters, "Advance New Zealand's Railways. ,, A couple of interesting views were shown—a design of tho station it intended to .erect some years ago on .the. Cumberland street site and a design of (ho- substantial bjttildirig now being erected. A oarpetotl plalform was placed around the foundation stone, . with seating, aceomntodation for about ?.G0 persons, a'ntl at the. aide there, were sSats in tiers, capable of holding over 300 persons. Tho Volunteers stood in front of the platform, and also on the old street line, and tho publio (of whom there were some.-thou- . sands) took up positions in all places fjrom j which they coiiid command anything at all ' of a view of the speakers'platform. | .' The official party comprised the Hon. Sir! J. G. Ward (Minister of Railways) and Lady ; \Varcl, T Mcs3r9 B. Wilson and J. Hislop (private secretaries), hie Worship the Mayor of Dimodin(Mr T. 11. Christie), Mr T: B. ■; Fairb'airn (town. c|erk), Mrs Chrislie, Miss ' Christio, and Miss Holcn Christie, Colonel: ,Robin, O;B., Messrs H. Biixton (General j Traffic Manager of Railways), J. Burnett (Acting Chief Engineer), A. Brant (Traffic superintendent for tho Middle Wand), F. W. 11'Loau (District Engineer of Railways. Dunedin), and Gγ A. Troup (architect of the now station and office .engineer of tho Railway Department).' Among tho invitod guests wore the City, Councillors, Dean Fitohott, Father Murphy, Father Coffey, • tho Revs.. Dr AVaddril,. AV.. Hovitson, AV. Saundore, A. T. Chodowski, tho Hon. G. M'Lean, tho Hon. W. M. Bolt, the Hon. H. Gourley, Messrs J. A. Millar, J. F. Arnold, T. K. Sidcy, E. G. Allen, D. Reid, T. Pnrata, M.H.R.'s, Di- Emily Siedeberg, Dr Ogston.'Dr AV. Marshall Macdonald, Dr Batchelor, Dr P. Marshall, Professor Gilray, Messrs P. G. Cray (Mayor of West Harbour), J. P. Simon (Mayor of Mornington), J. J. Marlow (Mayor of St. Kilda), D. A. Do Mau3 (Mayor of Port Chalmers), Mossrs C. C. Graham, S.M., J, R. Sinclair, J. Mills, J. F. M. Fraser, G. L. Denniston, G. : Femvick, J. AV. Jago, ' M. , - Cohen,' R. Glendining, J.- Reid, J. B. Thomson, W. P. mtson, H. V. Haddock, R. M; , Clark, W. . Nicolson, W. Burnett, R. Q.< .Tones; J. .Sinclair Thomson. .T. Hutchison, J. Robin, J: F. AVoodhouse,' J. A. Gilruth (Chief Govornment Veterinarian!, D. R. White, D. M'Pheison, T. W. Whitson, T. Brown, J. Mitchell, W. Dawson, 17. P, Farqnhar, AV. Bridger, G. M. Burlinson, R. Leo, J. MacGrcgor, E. F. Duthio, I); Barron, K. Rainsay, F. J. Stilling, J. C. Stephens, ,T. Hazlett, A. R. Barclay, C. H. Statham, C. S/ Reeves, S. N. Brown, T. W._ Kempihorric, W. Edmond, ,Ri. Chjsholni, J. H; Hosking, C. Darling, Captain Strang, P. Pattullo, D. Borrio, AV. Snow, P. Barr, C. S. Graham, 0. F. Grocnslade, C. Branson, G. Esther, P. G. Pryde, G. C. Israel, C. Macandrew, \V. Hood, .1. T. Paul, AV. Gow, K. S. Allan, D. A, M'Nicoll, F. Calvert, G. A. King, (rogistrar of tho Siiprtiine Court), J. M'Orddio (District■Fviigineer'of'Railwaye, Invercargili), .1. Hall' (foreman of .works at the new station), .T.' Arkle,-and otliers. The Minister's party arrived punctually, and, rain threatening, no time was lost in' making a commencement with the ceremony, Iho "proceedings opening with the playing of the National Anthem by the Garrison Baud, inidor Lieutenant, floorge. I Miss Christin canio forward, and, amid applause, gracefully presented to Lady AVaril a bouquet of , wliitc chrysanthemums, fern, autumn loaves, otc. The Mayor thon gave a short address. Hi< said they had met llmt day ti> witnws tho laying of the foundation stono of the now railway station' building by the Hon. Sir Joseph AVard, Minister of -Railways, in response to that gentleman's kind invitation. Tho plans showed that Iho building would bo of aii 'imposing character; .and would .prove an ornament to the. city, f ho Govern, llient liad not eparml expense, in the proposed structure,' either from' an architectural or from a utility point of view. Tim building would bo provided with all tho equipment necessary to serve the requirements of a city of Dimodin'fl proportions and expectations, and might be expected to answer for many y.eara to come. The development of our railways had of recent years demondqil bettor accommodation than we had had; and this work, which was now beinff started; had been forced upon the Government by;thn growth of traffic. This was a very satisfactory way of coerpion, as it pointed to tho fact that Dun-

edin was. progressing, and progressing steadily. The extension of our railways into tlio country must also add to the importance.of Dunedin, and to tho benefit of the railways, by securing a larger earning power, as woll n's bringing tlio back-blocks into touch with the largor centre, find giving them'much-needed transit. Ho was suro tlio community had to thank tho Government, iiiid Sir Joseph AVard in particular, for bringing this matter forward so quickly.—(daughter and applause.) . His hearers might laugh at that word—it was all very well to have a laugh,—but it wile also true that tlio work was mover, seriously taken into consideration until Sir Joseph Ward became Minister (or HaiJwnye.—(Ap-

plause.) No doubt during Sir Joseph's term as Minister for Railways ho would bring Urn work to completion. Ho (Mr Christie) also trmted that .ifter tho railway station was completed Sir Joseph would see. to the undertaking 9? other works that were very much required. . Ho referred to tho duplication of the line to Port. Chalmers—a work that many though! should bo dono to meet the increased traffic. There was further n need to duplicate the lino ■ running out of Ounediu to ills south, with the feinted 'requirement of. doubling tho line through' the Cavershiun tunnel. This was a matter of great niomnnt to .'the city, and he liad heard that it ha<l already been reported upon by the ■ department— whether with tho object of at an early date undertaking the duplication or not he did I not J;t:ow. Possibly Sir Joseph would give some idea of what he anticipated tho e:ii'ly developments may bo with respect to tho duplication of our'lines. Before closing, he would say—and h? believed lio echoed tho sentimenta of the. majority of the people—that he thought tho present Minister for Bailways had done moi« to popularise the railways than any Minister . whe had preceded him.—(Applause.) Ho trusted that Sir Joseph might be long spared to carry on tho work lie was. engaged in, and had proved himself ■ so eminently fitted to perform.—(Applause.) . The presentation of a silver trowel and a liancfeome polished onk mallet to the Minis- : tor for Railways was then made by. his j Worship tho Mayor, Sip Joseph receiving 1 tho articles with thanks. Both gifts bore I tho ,following inscription:—"Presented to ! the Honourable Sir J. G. Ward, K.C.M.G., ; Minister for Railways, on tho occasion of his laying tho foundation stcuie of t!vr> Dunctlin Railway Station, 3rd June, 1904." .' , The Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, who on rising . was greeted with cordial applause, said lie ! had in the first place to expires his thanks 1 to his Worship the Mayor for the very i kind manner in which ]«o hud introduced him, and, on behalf of Lady Ward, to thank his Worship's daughter, Miss Christie, . fo~ tho very beautiful bouquet she had presented to hor.—(AppV.use.) Ho would at that stage like to mul a telegram from tho Uight Hon. Mr Scddon—(applause.),—who would, he was suio, have Iweii present upon tliis occasion but for tho lamcnitable fact : of the illness from which at tho moment J lie wns suffering, and he echoed tho sentiments of all in expressing tho. hop» that the illness would soon disappear, and tho Premier he restored to. his wonted health ' and strength.—(Loud applause). The Right. Hon. Mr Seddon telegraphed.as. follows:?*-■■ " I regret not lio'ing with you on this. qcca-\ I sicni. I heartily'"congratulate Dunodili' upon i tho undertaking of tho .'important '■ which you lire laying-.the^foundation/stone. to-day, and I. .waimly congratulate, you, as. ; Minister for Railway?,, upon tho progress j that calls'for provision of, increased necom--1 modation for the' important -fity.dT Dun-, icclin. : With kind J. Sjsddox."' I (Renewed'applause.) Ho would 'like :to pro- ; i fnce/the remarks ho intruded to inako by : saying that.ho thought the Mayor, '«cog--1 nising ris he did tho important trust con- , fidfoVjo -him- of chief citizen, of Diuicdin, rather wanted to come tho double when , he dfcsiVcd ,lum (Sir Joseph) to impart information; regarding doubling the. -railway ' lilies 'to'"Port Chalmers and Mosgicl.— ' (Laughter.) Those were matter* that would require to-be-discussed' by-and-bye, when further increases' in • the traffic warranted those, great works being put in hand. Ho had hud experience already of the. effects oi" intimating the doubling of a , line, and' hoped !» would :ge't Imck to Wollington : without being annihilated with requests for promises in a. similar direction.—(Laughter.) , He 'would like to givo some idea of tho. growth of tho-traffic'in this iiart. of the 1 polony, which had warranted file carrying, out of this undertaking, "wliinh htul.taen 1 so quickly," according to his Worship the ; Mayor, "put on hand." He know it was nearly 10 years ago since .that indefatigable member for Duncdin, Mr .1. A.. Millar, com- ' J menced to rasp away at tho. Government ! in the Homo for th-a.erection of a railway station on tho foundation? which had hecn put dmvii to incite the citizens to a belief that sonw timo thoy would got a now stu- ■ > tion. Tho insistence, of the re))!'<-senta-tions of Mr Millar ill the first i>lar>e,"ami i afterwards of Mr Arnold also, was such that' I tho Government could not longer delay s giving to Duncdiin that which, they would 1 have, liked to give earlier.—(Applause) Tho ■ inewmsod trallie in this part of the colony ■ ' absolutely warranted the great work the i inception of wliich they wen; that day . inking part .in—the building would cost in i round figures some £43,000, ami, with (ho I whole of the works which were now being . carried out iii connection with station and . yard,' including the purchase of properties, I ' via.; Thn expenditure'within tlio next 18 . months would bs about £90,000, They might . depend .l|pnn it that 110 Ooyeriiment with a , due cense of ita responsibilities wmild have. . undrirlaken.a \yqrk of that in.ngnitud.il, but , for the fact that the trade warranted it; A With regard to"tho trade, it was n'mngwar t 1 fact that at times wo.-wero »l[ 'inclined' to , imagine that faf-orf fields looked greonent,- , and discounted .what, was going on in our , i own innnedinti) siirrpundingJ. If they 'would look at the , two, plans put bofaro ! ! them— plana qf the' proposed station' of . ' 1885 nhd of the 0110 now in course of 'eree- ! tion-thoy WQXiItV sro that tho station now going up was 'double' tho dimensions 'of that proposed in 1685, and which was to cost £20,01)0. Thorp must, then, be 501110 good .reason for tlio .great alteration that wan tailing place, and that, reason wns to no found in a comparison between the traffic' at Dunodin in 1885 ■ and ' that of to-day. That comparison showed .that tho trains in and out of Dunodin station had increased from 74 to 97 per day, and that tho mileago lmd increased from 720,823 miles per annum to 1,104,890 per milium— the largest mileago of aiiy station in any district ju tho colony. -(Applause.) The nest to.it was Wellington, which had increased .from 301,819 to 836,876 miles; ami tlion camo Awklnnd, whioh had increased from 300,000 to SOO.pqO miles. Ho referred to this only to emphasise tho fact that the running mileage of tho trains from the City of Dunedin was much greater than in any other district in Now Zealand. While on that point, ho would irko to say a word about tho number.of people employed on tho railways in this centre. There were altogether employed in the Railway Department in Dimedin 931 omplpyeon, receiving in wages over £140,000 per anfiiim, and there was no other centre in tho colony had anything like tho snmo number.of men employed in connection with the railway service as thoy had in Duncdin.—(Applause.) Ho might tell them, too, that fiinctrißßs tho mimbor employed had gorid up from/ 480 to 931, Now, there wcro soirio people who occasionally levelled tho charge' against him that he was" optimistic, but how was it possiblo to geteover tho absolute facts ho: had put boforo them? —(ApplauseO It 'was immaterial' to him what ho'was called, but lie would rather be callod optimistic than pessimistic, for a pessimist waa 0110 of tlio most usoloes of men-(" hear, hear"),-u.nd, if there wore any really gohd iiessimistics in tho district, his advice was that they should ho trans-ferred-to Russia for , a few weeks, so that tlio .Taps could he allowed to. have a go at thom.-fLauglitpr.) Hp.wonM not go into detailed figures, but soma idea of tho etructnre to be orcoted could bo guagod from 'the fact that the cubical contents of 119 now building, would be 779,000 ft. Ho might hero say that ho believed in tho ornamental as'well as tlio useful, so long as the cost

was reasonable, wliori erecting permanent structures, and there was to be a corner toyror 125 ft high—only 30ft short of the height of Kiiox Church spire. And llio building would be completed within 18 months from now—(Applause.) The building it-self would cost about £40,000,-and the platforms £3000. Tho length of tho platform was to be 2860 ft, ~\yhilst the platforms of the existing station'wero 1390 ft. Then, in tho now railway yard, there were to be six miles of tracks, sp that both station and yard were to be thoroughly up to date. The siding, inclusive of interlocking appliances and lighting, would cost about £25,000, whilst tho.land reclamation..nnd rpads, etc., Would cost about, another ,£22,000; .Tho

building itself was designed and successfully won in fair competition' by tin officer of the Railway' Department, very, well known throughout the colony, Mr (4. A. Troiip.— (Applause.) Tho examination pt tho plans was carried out independent of tho knowledge by thoso who woro examining them as to who had prepared tho plans; and it was a singular tiling thai - nfter the examiners had carefully gone through the plans, and selected tho one thoy considered best, they forwarded them on to him (tho Minister) without giving an indication as to which was their choice. He went through them, and selected one, after which he'forwarded them to his colleagues, who made their choice, and in each , case tlio plans prepared by Mi' Troup wero selected, from til) others. —(Loud applause.). Mr Troup's'plans commended themselves-to exports and. laymen alike. Tho work of creation.was under tho immediate control of Mr F. W. Mac Lean; the district engineer, who' was really in tho position of n contractor, having under him Mr Hall as foreman of works, and Mr Walter, foreman mason, and 60 men. No tender received for the work could bo accepted, nnd. though the work was being ! carried out.by the department, it was subject to regular architectural inspection independent of Mr Mac Lean, just as if it wore under tho ordinary contract system. In that respect the best results possible ought to be obtained. After making a humorous rofcronco to the weather, which at this stage was very unfavourable, Sir Joseph went on to say that tho traffic in and out of Duncdin was being carried on very satisfactorily indeed, and it was something to know that, under the able superintondency of the respected traffio superintendent (Mr Grant), who had for so long supervised with tho utmost care tho work in this portion of the colony, not ono serious accident for « number of years could bo laid at tho door of tho railway employees.—(Applause.) It waf) a great compliment to Mr Grant nnd those working with him that after 40 years of eorvjeo ho should be horo to see the foundation stone laid of a station, which, although not the largest in the Australasian colonies, would bo second to iiono in point of usefulness nnd convenionco, and which was a tribute to tho old railway men who had dono so well. for tho service in tho past.'—(Loud applause.) Ho would not detain thorn longer than to say that, if tho traffic. wont on increasing, as it had done, , ospctmdly for the lnet fivo years, they .iiiigljli; dcpoiid upoii it that if tho ddubiinV of the linos between Duncdin and Port.Chalmers and Dunedin and Mosgid "ijas necessary, the Administration would ■fnrry'.. thpEc works out.—(Applause.) In -conclusion, lice.desired to heartily congratillatp', tho City of Dunedin on tho.. auspicious event they were that day commemorating., and he hoped that, within another 19 yenrs from now ho would havo.the pleasure of again being in Duncdinas.Minister of Railways to inaugurate the work of putting two more storeys on the; fop of the ono. lie. was just about to lay tjio foundation stone of.—(Applause.) Sir Joseph' then placed ■mortar on the briding, and • tho block of stone being lowered by -the steam wane into position .yrria declared to ha well'and truly laid by tho Minister. Inserted in a cavi'.y of tho stone were copies of tho Otago Daily Times and livening Star and the current coins of, the' realm from a sovereign down to a farthing. . . . ; The foundation stone, jyhieh. is.of Bluff granite, bears on its polished face , a bronze coat of arms, with tho following inscription beneath :-"N.Z.E. This stono was laid by tho Hon.. Sir J. O. W.ml, K.C.M.G.. Minister of Railways, on Hid 3rd day of June, 1901. ' Prime" Minister, Right Hon. R..J. Seddon, P.C., IiL.D.: • General Manager N.Z.R., T. Ronayne: Chief Engineer N.Z.R., John Cooni, M, Inst. 0.E.; architect, George A. Troup.'' Tho declaration by Sir 'Joseph that the stone was .'well ami truly 'aid was greeted with cheers, after which tlio (iuvrieon Band played "Rule Britannia,".«nd the. proceedings ' terminated with heart}* cheers for the new station, Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, ,i\nd his Worship tlio Mayor.

MANAGEMENT OF THE PROCEEDINGS. Mr Duncan (fctationmaeter), Mr Ncalo (chief porter), and *i number of members of tho railway staff assisted at the function, and owing to their capable direction everything passed off with tho regularity of clockwork. Tho police, under Sub-iuspeotor Green, helped to keep the route clear, and, fortm nately, worb not otherwise called on for service. Tho corcmony, from first to lait, proceeded so smoothly that it was all concluded iu about 40 minutes. •VOLUNTEER PARADE. Tho iiaratlo stato of the Volunteers was as follows: — Stuff.—Colonel Eobin, Major Eeal, Lien-

tenant Mickle, and 3 sergeaiil-mßj'ors;—ioinl, 6. Brigade' Troops.—Captain Strong in comnutnd;—tolal, 88. First Battalion Otago Biflo Volunteers.— Captain Crawford in command;—total, 120. First Battalion Otago Defence Cadeta.— Major Hislop iu command;—total. 93. Before bring dismissed, Colonel Smith thanked iho 'Volunteers, on behalf of Sir Joseph Ward, fer turning out, and also complimented them on their smart appearance. DESCRIPTION OF THE STATION. TOTAL COST, £43,300. The "lan of the r.ew station, published iu this issue, will give our readers an.excellent idea, of the building which is now being erected for their accommodation, ancl which, the Minister o[ Railways says, will bo completed in 18 months' lime, .ft is a, structure that, iu keeping with the importance of Dunedin as n railway centre and the great and increasing traffic on the main and branch lines, will at once take a foremost place among the many fine buildings that llunc-din already possesses, and i 3 a. fuitablc complement to the splendid Law Couits recently preeted in the immediate neighbourhood by tho Government. ■ The architecture, is of the modern Renaissance style, with Queen Anne treatment, and, the department having struck out en new lines altogether, tlio building is far alies<t of oaiy other railway station in the colony. Tlio total length is to be 420 ft, the.depth 58ft. The building was designed! in iho offioß, under the direction of Mr John Doom, 'chief engineer, Mr Got. A. Troup d«ing the architectural work. The building operations are being carried out by the Railway Department wider the supervision of Mr'F. W. MaeLean, :revid«nt engineer, with Mr J. -Hall as foreman of works and Mr J. Walker , in charge of tlie mafonry. Mv .']•!...".H'cek-Js tho local aiohitectural draughtsman. . • The. building • is to be of two storeys, accommodation for the passenger stationmaster and his staff, also for the travelling public, being provided' for on the Etreet level, whilst the traffic and cngiine-ering staffs ore placed upstair?. The building is being most substantially constructed of Otago Central rubble work, with Oamara stone ■white facings. Pott Chalmers stono js- also being used for a. portion of v the plinth or haso course. Polished columns of Poterhead grajiitn along the front will materially assist) ill giving the exterior a. very rich appearance. The roof te to bo of Marseilles red l ■tiling and ornamental ridges. All the walls are to bo plastered, and the ceilings, will bo pleasing to the eye, )>oing finished and ornamented in stamped steel and ssincLooking tit tho plans, the. most prominent feature is the large square, tower at tho south-we-t comer, rising to a, height of over 120 ft. On the. corner of tho tower tho .heavy mass (if masonry will be relieved bv four pilasters in tlio angles, these pilasters being of rubble work and largo white stone ccursos alternating. At a height of 55ft a four-faced clock is provided for. Those clocks will ho surmounted by fcroll pediments with a projecting balcony underneath. Tho upper part of the tower will be finished entirely in' Oamaru stone, and design being broken up by Corinthian pilasters and arched openings in between. Four corner pediments, each carrying a lion rampant and tour coats of Royal Arms, cempjete tho uprising design before reaching the dome. Over tlio dome there is to ho a lantern, access to which, can be hod on tlie inside circular stair by those who having the nrivilogo desire to use it in order'to obtain a. canipreJici'sivc view of the city. x i Adjoining, the tower to the south, tlio building will foe." of a circular shape. Tho uppor storey is an open balcony, enclosed with a. stone parapet wall and .divided into arched bays witlx columns and'; pilasters. An o-Mm colonnade runs almost t,ho entire length of tho building on tho <■l.rcet lovol. This colonnade is a special featuro of the dosign, being architecturally harmonious a»<! lit' the fame' timo a. point of -beauty amd practical utility. A series of elliptical arches springing from white rtono pilasters alongside of red Pelcrhead granite columns that aro more than 2ft in diameter will give a handsome, appearance and impart to ; tlie front a fine variety of colour. . Tlie main entrance, will be situated in the centre.of the A covM-ed carriageway carried out in stonework and forming part'of the design is to project 20ft from the colonnade to tho extent of 35ft along the front. Pussoiigcra will thus bp qnito under cover while entering or leaving ths station. This central entrance is surmounted with a- riolily-cirved gable, with turrets, pediments, otc. Tim northern nnd of- Iho building ; 'terminates iu an octagonal tower, the finiar'of which is 79ft from tlip' ground. Tho.iipper floor, which foe.'the most p.U't is sc! kick'to tlio inside \vall of tho .colonnade,. giv« relief lo the various projections, and'is divided into hays by Oaiiiaru stone pilastons, each pair of pilasters supporting a pediment, aiul thus forming a pleasing breidi in the paia'pet'line! ■The.- , maiti enhance hall, which measures 42ft by 32ft, h to be fini?hed in Faience and encaustic tile work of a very 'handsome design.. This hall is a, special feature of the building, and the materia! has been specially selected so as fd givo' facility !or frequent hosing in tho iiitsrosls, of c!canliiie«. The floor also is to he "in mosnii! tile work, and so aro thq , stairs.and 'corridors. Qn-i sido 'of the entrance liar! k entirely taken up with tlio ticket office, mnasnring 35ft by 12ft. There are to be four tiok-nt windows. In addition four, ox't-ia ticket windows can be. us=d-in the colonnado in case of a rush on holidays. The main staire.iso leads from (ho right-hand sido of tho corridor. By the same- approach access is had to the stationmaster's 'office ■ and ' tho ladies' waiting rooms. •■ ■

Large waiting rooms are provided for both ladies and gentlemen, and teason ticketholders are to be served at the platform pjde of the ticket office. The accommodation for luggago and parcels is on a most .ample scale, a room measuring 116 ft by 50ft being set apart,' and in addition there is to lio a .spc-oial room for bioycles. Rooms on tlio* ground .floor are also given to tho coaching, guards, and porters,'and the lAviitorjos are'suitably placed. :..There are to. bo. no firoylacM whatever in thosbuilding. ■ ijhe system of heating will l>3 by mean's of hot water circulating through pipes and radiators, A Epecial feature of this is that separate ventilation h to bo provided to each radiator, and it is claimed, that with' perfect ventilation 'there, will be a complete avoidance of draughts, Tho ventilation is on the principle of Boyle's system. Special fireproof construction is designed throughout. Tho joists and the floprs are to bo all of steel in encased terra cotta :blocks, a contract for which has been let to Gore Bros.,' of Wuigntui. Messrs Paterson and Barr have tho contract for l.lio stool .joists and tlin girder work-.

Mr J. F. Arnold, M.H.R., yesterday received" tho following tologrnm from tho Right Hon. tho Premier:—"Permit nio to ranßnttidato you on the laying of the- foundation s'tono for the. Dimodin Itnilw'ay Station. Having in and out of season pressed the importance of the work on the (ioyermnont, you will lie delighted now to know that it has been commonpei!. Accept re-Trot ,-it.my inability to be present, but rnj' thoughts', are with you and my worthy co!loague.--R. J.Skphox."